Peter Schrager breaks down the top 100 NFL players

No. 51: Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears

Urlacher’s still got it. Though he didn’t record a single sack, the heart of the Bears defense made 102 tackles and intercepted three passes in 2011. He’s still making plays in his 12th season and still leading defenders who love playing alongside of him. Every year, you’re expecting his production to dip and for him to take some time off the field. It hasn’t happened. Check out Nos. 50-1

NFL's Top 100 players: 100-51

Confused to see Tim Tebow and John Kuhn on the NFL Network’s top 100 players list? Befuddled by Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MV, not making the top 30? So were we. So we made our own list. A rational one. In building the FOXSports.com Top 100, we asked three key questions: Which player would I rather have on my team? Which player would make the most impact on my team? Which player will be the best in 2012, specifically? Some other considerations to keep in mind: Incoming rookies are not eligible. Stats matter, but only to a certain point. Injuries weren’t a game-breaker. Long-term future or career accolades don’t matter here — this season does. After you keep all that in mind — and only then — please feel free to let us know how you feel. Obliterate my email at PeterSchrager@gmail.com, leave comments and Tweet me @Pschrags. Let’s have some fun! Here are the opening 50 on our countdown, starting at No. 100. Video: Schrager breaks down 81-100

No. 100: Jay Cutler, QB, Bears

The Indianapolis Colts weren’t the only team to see playoff dreams come to a shattering end when their quarterback was ruled out for the year. Though his critics (and there are many) most likely think otherwise, Jay Cutler had the Bears sitting pretty with a 7-3 record and in the middle of a five-game winning streak when he was knocked out after a 31-20 win over the Chargers in Week 11. Cutler gets his old buddy Brandon Marshall back, a healthy Matt Forte and rookie receiver Alshon Jeffery. There are more than a few reasons to think he’ll have a big year in 2012. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 99: Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers

Nelson emerged as a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver in 2011, leading the Packers in receiving yards (1,263) and touchdowns (15). He teamed with Greg Jennings to form one of the most feared wide receiver duos in the league. Nelson’s tough and fast and looking to collaborate on numerous big plays with Aaron Rodgers. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 98: Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots

Hernandez doesn’t get the same sort of media attention and acclaim as teammate and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski, but he had a breakout year himself in 2011. The former Florida star hauled in 79 receptions and seven touchdowns in the regular season and made 19 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs. He’ll improve in the blocking game as he matures. For now, though, he’s a damn good receiving target. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 97: Carlos Rogers, CB, 49ers

Rogers was a good corner in Washington for years. In San Francisco last season, he was superb. A second-team All-Pro selection and a starter in the Pro Bowl, Rogers led the league’s top defense in interceptions with six and often shut down the opponent’s top receiver. He re-signed with San Francisco, inking a four-year deal that will ensure he’s covering No. 1 receivers for years to come. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 96: J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

Justin Smith is the best 3-4 DE in the league, but second-year end J.J. Watt might be No. 2. A converted tight end, Watt starred in his first year in Houston, recording 56 tackles and sacking opposing quarterbacks 5.5 times. He saved his best for the postseason. In games against the Bengals and Ravens, Watt rolled up a combined 14 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception and a touchdown. In two games! He’s just scratching the surface, too. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 95: Kyle Williams, DT, Bills

Williams won’t be on many other top 100 lists, but he belongs here. A ferocious defensive lineman in the 3-4, he’ll be even better in Dave Wannstedt’s 4-3. The undersized tackle had a monster 2010 season before suffering an injury and missing most of 2011. The Bills went out and got Marcell Dareus in the 2011 draft and Mario Williams and Mark Anderson as free agents this offseason. Williams could be the most valuable of the four up front. All that hype for this defensive line? It’s warranted. They’re going to be good. Very good. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 94: Chris Long, DE, Rams

Long produced his long-awaited breakout season in 2011, playing like a second overall selection, which he was in 2008. With a career-high 13 sacks and stout run defense, Long was one of the few bright spots on a beleaguered Rams defense. With Robert Quinn picking it up down the stretch and the addition of Michael Brockers on the defensive line, there’s plenty of reason for optimism.

No. 93: DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles

Jackson still gives Giants fans nightmares from his Week 15 punt return that essentially knocked New York out of playoff contention in 2010. His 2011 season was marred by contract issues and a missed game against Arizona. When on the field, he’s still one of the most dangerous players. In ’11, he saw dips in all statistical production (58 catches for 961 yards, 4 TDs). He’s on this list because of what he could and should be in 2012. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 92: Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings

If healthy — yes, that’s a major "if" — Harvin is one of the most explosive, dynamic and feared multi-purpose players in the NFL. He played in all 16 games in 2012, catching 87 passes for 967 yards and scoring six touchdowns. That’s with a bad Donovan McNabb and an inexperienced Christian Ponder throwing him the ball. Ponder’s got an offseason to work with his receivers, Harvin’s feeling good, and there’s reason to believe the two could have some great chemistry in 2012. Yep, a 'Nole and a Gator getting along. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 91: Aldon Smith, LB, 49ers

Smith’s a freak. He recorded 14 sacks and barely played 60 percent of the 49ers’ downs last year. Though some pundits scratched their heads when the Mizzou star went seventh overall to San Francisco, he blew expectations out of the water. In a four-week span in October, Smith racked up 6.5 sacks. In a four-week span later in the season, he compiled 6.5 more. He’s still learning the position. Scary stuff. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 90: Steven Jackson, RB, Rams

Jackson’s résumé reads like a Shakesperean tragedy. The key cog of the Rams offense has rushed for 1,000 yards or more in each of the past seven seasons. In that span the Rams have gone 22-83; one of the game’s great running backs has been pretty much wasted behind terrible offensive lines and in awful locker rooms. All that said, he gets the job done. If only the Rams were any good. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 89: Matt Forte, RB, Bears

Forte was on pace to have his best season in Chicago, running for 997 yards and catching 52 balls, before an injury sidelined him for the final four games of 2011. Whether he gets his contract from Chicago or not, there’s no doubt that he’s been the best piece of the offense for the past few years. When he's healthy, Forte runs the ball, he blocks and he’s a threat in the receiving game. He’s right up there when it comes to running backs. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 88: Justin Tuck, DE, Giants

I’m much higher on Tuck’s teammate Jason Pierre-Paul, but as the defensive captain and "face of the franchise" (Osi Umenyiora’s words, not mine), Tuck is the motor that makes Big Blue’s D run. He registered only five sacks in 12 games a year ago, but is back to 100 percent and ready to return to his 11.5-sack form of 2010. Tuck was on and off the field during the regular season, but saved his best for last with a pair of sacks in the Super Bowl. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 87: Brandon Flowers, CB, Chiefs

Flowers followed a big 2010 with a strong 2011. Eric Berry gets a lot of the media attention and ex-teammate Brandon Carr got big bucks from the Cowboys, but Flowers is the star of that Chiefs' defensive backfield. He made four interceptions a year ago. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 86: NaVorro Bowman, LB, 49ers

Bowman’s breakout 2011 campaign included 143 tackles, two sacks and eight pass deflections. Though Patrick Willis and Justin Smith nabbed most of the headlines, it was Bowman who led the team in tackles. The 49ers are loaded with young defensive talent. Bowman’s got the goods to be a perennial All-Pro. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 85: Derrick Johnson, LB, Chiefs

Johnson’s been starting at linebacker for the Chiefs since 2005, but really has come on strong in the past two seasons. He led the team in tackles in 2011 with a career-high 131 and earned his first All-Pro nod. He and Tamba Hali are the key cogs in Romeo Crennel’s defense. With the return of Eric Berry at safety, the unit could be awfully nasty in 2012. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 84: Patrick Peterson, CB, Cardinals

In 2011, Peterson broke the rookie record for punt return yards (699) in a season and tied the NFL record for punt returns for a touchdown in a year with four. His 99-yard return for a score against the Rams was arguably the most thrilling finish to any game last season. Peterson was a first-team All-Pro return man and steadily improved at cornerback. Veteran receivers had their way with him early on, but with a full offseason to work with coaches, there’s a chance Peterson emerges as one of the top cornerbacks in 2012. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 83: LaMarr Woodley, LB, Steelers

Woodley missed some of the 2011 season because of a hamstring injury, but still managed nine sacks in just 10 games. Fast off the edge and solid against the run, he’s a cerebral 'backer who can do it all. With James Harrison out of the lineup in the beginning of the season, Woodley had 7.5 sacks in four Steelers wins. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 82: Michael Turner, RB, Falcons

Turner put up another solid season in 2011, running the ball 300 times for 1,340 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns. His 4.5 yards per carry were right on par with his career average and he carried the load in the fourth quarter of several close games. As will be a recurring theme throughout this exercise, his inability to do much in playoff games takes some of the luster off his résumé. Video: Schrager breaks down 100-81

No. 81: Jordan Gross, OT, Panthers

After all these years, Gross still is one of the best left tackles in the league. Teammate Ryan Kalil got a lot of love last season, and deservedly so. But Gross still is the top offensive lineman in that Panthers front five. It’s easy to be excited about 2012 in Carolina, especially with Gross protecting Cam Newton’s blindside. More Top 100: Nos. 80-61

No. 80: Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers

Wallace emerged in 2010 and made the leap to a No. 1 wideout in 2011. Though he didn’t get the big offseason money a lot expected, he’s still among the top receivers and arguably the most dangerous deep threat in the game. In 2011 he caught 72 balls for 1,193 yards and scored eight touchdowns. His 95-yard touchdown grab and run against Arizona and 88-yard score against Indianapolis were two of the longest touchdown receptions of the season. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 79: Darnell Dockett, DE, Cardinals

Dockett’s sack total in 2011 dipped to 3.5, the fewest he’s recorded since 2006. But playing a different position — the DE in a 3-4 — he may have had his most complete season to date. The Cardinals' D took a while to get going for first-year coordinator Ray Horton, but once it did, it was among the best units in the league. It all started with Dockett up front. He started 16 games and wrecked havoc at the line. At 31 he’s the veteran leader of what might be the best young unit in 2012. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 78: Darren Sproles, RB, Saints

Too high on the list for a guy who’s not an every-down back? Nah. Sproles had a huge year in New Orleans, totaling an unheard of 2,696 all-purpose yards (1,313 from scrimmage). On just 87 carries, Sproles ran for 603 yards, averaging 6.9 per carry. He also was seventh in the NFL in receptions (86). He does it all. Not only was Sproles a worthy replacement for Reggie Bush in the Saints offense, but he was all Bush was and more. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 77: Charles Woodson, CB, Packers

Sure, he’s old. But he’s still got it. Woodson followed up his 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year campaign with 74 tackles and seven interceptions at age 35. Still one of the best cover corners and hardest-hitting defensive backs in the league, Woodson’s a No. 1 cornerback on a team that blitzes as much as any team in the league. His game hasn’t shown much decline and when it does, he’ll move to safety. The guy can play until he’s 50. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 76: Andrew Whitworth, OT, Bengals

Whitworth doesn’t get nearly the same ink or media attention as, say, a Jake Long, but he’s right up there in the conversation about best tackles in the league. Whether it’s at right or left tackle, he’s a mauler who rarely misses any games due to injury. Cedric Benson rushed for 1,000 yards in three straight years in Cincinnati. Many of those yards came behind a barreling Whitworth. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 75: Devin Hester, WR, Bears

Ask any coach in the NFL to list the 10 players they lose the most sleep over the night before a game and Hester’s name is bound to come up. Not an every-down guy (though he’s had a somewhat serviceable career at wide receiver), he’s still the most dangerous punt returner this sport’s ever seen. Last year he returned two punts for touchdowns, giving him 12 in his career. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 74: Jason Peters, OT, Eagles

Peters’ ruptured Achilles notwithstanding, he’s one of the most versatile offensive tackles in the game. In 2011, he dominated at left tackle and earned another Pro Bowl nod — his fifth in a row. Other guys on the Eagles' offense get the media love, but Peters is the rock up front who makes it all click. His presence will be sorely missed at the start of 2012. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 73: A.J. Green, WR, Bengals

Green’s the first rookie wideout to make the Pro Bowl since 2003. He caught 65 balls for 1,057 yards and scored seven touchdowns. Big numbers for any receiver, they're huge numbers for a rookie, playing with a rookie quarterback, when neither guy had much of an offseason to work together. Expect even bigger things from Green, a 6-foot-4 manchild with 4.5 40-yard-dash speed. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 72: Calais Campbell, DE, Cardinals

Playing in Arizona, Campbell doesn’t get nearly the same amount of media attention as some of his young pass-rushing peers, but he should. 2011 marked a breakout year for the former Miami star, as he starred in Ray Horton’s 3-4 scheme and recorded eight sacks and 51 tackles. The best stat of all? Campbell blocked three field goals. Arizona has one of the best young defensive units in the NFL. It all starts up front with No. 93.

No. 71: Chris Johnson, RB, Titans

Sure, he had a down 2011. A very down 2011, really. But Johnson’s healthy and still showed flashes of his 2009 and 2010 self last season. He’s probably not in the same class of running back as Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Arian Foster, but Johnson’s still one of the most dangerous backs in football. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 70: Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons

From September to December, Ryan is consistently one of the best quarterbacks in the league. It’s time he does something come January. His three career playoff defeats all have been major duds, with 2011’s wild-card round performance against the Giants the worst of all (24-41, 199, 0 TDs). Ryan becomes a free agent in 2014 and is expected to score his second mega-deal from Atlanta ownership in the near future. A playoff win one of these years would be nice. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 69: Logan Mankins, G, Patriots

One of the toughest men in all of football, Mankins moved from left tackle in college to guard in the pros and has been a consistent Pro Bowler ever since. A first-team All-Pro in 2010 and 2011, he’s a four-time Pro Bowler who has started every game he has played. The Patriots’ offensive line doesn’t get as much media attention as the skill position stars, but Mankins is right up there on the list of the team’s most valuable performers. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 68: Tyron Smith, OT, Cowboys

No one expected 20-year-old Tyron Smith to be the top lineman on the Cowboys’ O-line as a rookie, but that’s just what he was last year. The sky’s the limit for the big fella out of USC and in 2012 he’ll make the inevitable move to left tackle. Pundits didn’t think Smith was a “sexy” enough pick for Jerry Jones to take with the ninth selection in 2011, but he exceeded expectations. With the likes of Jason Pierre-Paul, Brian Orakpo, Jason Babin, Justin Tuck and Trent Cole in the NFC East, a stud left tackle is absolutely necessary. It looks like the Cowboys have one. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 67: Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys

Tony, Tony, Tony. Two years removed from the Cowboys’ last playoff berth, guess what — all eyes are on Tony Romo … again. He’s married with a kid now, and I’m not done with the guy just yet. Romo, though his detractors would say otherwise, had a strong 2011 campaign. He threw for more than 4,184 yards, had 31 touchdown passes to just 10 interceptions, and his 102.5 passer rating was a career high. Say what you want about the December wins and losses, Romo’s a top-10 quarterback. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 66: Greg Jennings, WR, Packers

Arguably the best pure route runner in the league, Jennings is as smooth a wideout as you’ll find. He led the Packers in receptions (67) a season ago and is still the team’s deep threat over the top, despite the breakout year by teammate Jordy Nelson. Not overly physical and not especially a burner, Jennings is a cerebral receiver who reads the field. Aaron Rodgers’ go-to-guy in one of the league’s top passing attacks. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 65: Troy Polamalu, S, Steelers

I know, I know. Troy’s supposed to be listed in the top 20 because, well, he’s Troy Polamalu. Well, guess what? His play really declined last year and you could make the argument that he wasn’t even the best safety on his team. Polamalu’s a master of his trade and one of the best to ever play his position, but didn’t play at an elite level in 2011. He could have a big bounce-back year. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 64: Earl Thomas, S, Seahawks

Thomas had a big rookie year in 2010 and was even better in 2011. A tall, rangy safety, he’s one of those guys who are simply in on every play. In addition to safety, he is a special teams demon and a team leader. You can’t name a better run defender at the safety spot. Check his fourth-down goal-line stand against the Steelers a year ago. Vintage Earl Thomas. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 63: Von Miller, LB, Broncos

Miller suffered a thumb injury and faced teams focusing on him off the edge. He still racked up 11.5 sacks and won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. Miller, who played “The Joker” position for Texas A&M, will only improve in 2012. Playing hurt in the final four games of the 2011 regular season, he recorded only one sack. Expect those numbers to increase in 2012. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 62: James Harrison, LB, Steelers

In 11 games in 2011, Harrison recorded nine quarterback sacks, five interceptions, and displayed the ferocity that has long made him one of the most feared defenders in the sport. His critics say he’s lost a step, but he’s still one of the more menacing linebackers in the game. Ask any coach or opposing player — Harrison has their respect. They might not like the man, but this isn’t the business of friendship. Video: Schrager breaks down 80-61

No. 61: Dwight Freeney, DE, Colts

Freeney’s a wild card. He’s getting up there in age and, at this point in his career, is being asked to move positions and schemes in Chuck Pagano’s 3-4. This could work to his advantage. We’ll see. He’s always good for double-digit sacks … if healthy. More Top 100: Nos. 60-41

No. 60: Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants

Victor Cruz gets a lot of the media love, but you can make the argument that it was Nicks who had the bigger 2011. The 2009 first-round pick caught 76 balls for 1,192 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season, only to go nuts in the postseason, catching 28 balls for 444 yards and four touchdowns in the Giants' Super Bowl run. His Hail Mary touchdown reception in Green Bay silenced the Lambeau crowd before halftime. An injury will put the start of his 2012 campaign in jeopardy, but there’s no debate whether Nicks is a top-10 receiver.

No. 59: Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Eagles

Sure, Nnamdi Asomugha didn’t have the best 2011 season. And sure, Michael Irvin spent the entire year calling Victor Cruz “The Nnamdi Killer.” But there’s still no better press coverage guy in the league. He was transitioning to a new team and suffered two injuries. No excuses this year. I’d still take him over 99 percent of the corners in this game as my lockdown No. 1 DB.

No. 58: Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys

Sure, Aaron Hernandez, Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski are the next wave of NFL tight ends. And yeah, Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez probably have done more for fantasy football leagues over the past few years. But Jason Witten has been arguably the most consistent tight end over the past decade. Last season was another great year for the Cowboys star, as he caught 79 balls for 942 yards and scored five touchdowns. Dez Bryant and Miles Austin went down but the ‘Boys passing attack didn’t suffer. Laurent Robinson stepped up; Witten did what he does.

No. 57: Roddy White, WR, Falcons

The top Falcons player on this list, White’s solidified himself as one of the top No. 1 receivers in the game. He’s caught at least 80 balls in each of the past five seasons and 100 balls in the past two. He hasn’t done much in playoff games, though. Unfortunately, that story is similar for most of the Falcons’ top players.

No. 56: Eric Weddle, S, Chargers

After signing the biggest contract ever given to a veteran safety, Eric Weddle had all eyes on him in 2011. He didn’t disappoint. Though the Chargers had a down year, Weddle did his part, intercepting seven passes and recording 88 tackles. Tall and rangy, he’s seemingly in on every play. He got paid and he backed it up in 2011. More to come in 2012.

No. 55: Champ Bailey, CB, Broncos

One of the few corners who can just as easily lock up Calvin Johnson as Wes Welker as Mike Wallace, Champ Bailey’s still doing it at the age of 34. Though some have said he’s lost a step since his best years, Bailey is still one of the top combinations of strength and toughness when it comes to the cornerback position. He also seems to know where a receiver is going before even the quarterback does.

No. 54: Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens

Lewis wasn’t the first- or second-best linebacker in Baltimore last season, as both Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson had better years. But he’s the guts of one of the league’s most feared defenses. He's still the vocal leader in Baltimore and had a wonderful playoffs in 2011, but Lewis isn’t the guy he was five years ago. Still a top-100 guy, but don’t be fooled by other lists ranking him in top 20. That’s nostalgia, not reality.

No. 53: Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers

Davis recently told reporters that he thought the San Francisco 49ers should be Super Bowl favorites. With 11 defensive starters and a host of offensive additions joining the unit, it’s tough to argue. Davis plays in a strictly run-oriented offense, but shines as the team’s No. 1 receiver. In two playoff games last year, Davis caught 10 balls for 302 yards and four touchdowns.

No. 52: Johnathan Joseph, CB, Texans

Joseph signed a big deal with the Texans last offseason and responded with the first Pro Bowl season of his career. In 2011, he intercepted four balls and locked down opposing No. 1 receivers on a weekly basis for the NFL’s second-best unit. Long overshadowed by teammate Leon Hall in Cincinnati, Joseph emerged as one of the best cover corners in the league in 2011. Still just 28 years old, there’s plenty more to come.